Plan Your Visit | Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular NC
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular · 2026

Plan Your Perfect
Night of Magic

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular is Charlotte's favorite Christmas light show, located at Ballantyne's Backyard, 11611 N. Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277. Open select nights November 27 – December 30, 2026.

Buy Tickets First — From $10
Dates
Nov 27 – Dec 30
2026 Season
Hours
5:30 – 9:00pm
Open select nights
Parking
Always Free
Wells Fargo building
Tickets
From $10
+ taxes & fees at checkout
Children 2 & under free

What to Bring

Your ticket — on your phone or printed. Pull it up before you get to the gate to keep the line moving.
Wand voucher (if you pre-purchased) — pick up the actual wand at the Wand Hut inside the show.
Warm layers — it's an outdoor event. The lights are warm but the night air in Charlotte in December is not.
Comfortable walking shoes — the trail is paved but you'll cover real distance.
A fully charged phone — the lighting is magical and you'll want every photo.
Leave the flash off for photos — the ambient show lighting is the magic. Flash kills it.

Weather Policy

The show operates in light rain and most weather conditions. Lights look stunning in the rain — and you'll often have the trail more to yourself.

In severe weather — including lightning — we may suspend operations and contact you directly by email and phone to reschedule. We work with you personally.

If you're unsure about conditions on your night, check the National Weather Service forecast, or email us at team@ncholidaylights.com before you leave home. We'll always tell you straight.

Wand Pickup — How It Works

Step 1 Purchase your wand in advance online with your tickets — you'll save money at the gate price.
Step 2 Your wand voucher arrives with your ticket confirmation. Have it ready on your phone or printed.
Step 3 Enter the show through the main gate, then turn left after the Holly Wreath Arch and go downhill — the Wand Hut will be on your right. Look for the snowflake lights and the line of excited kids.
Step 4 Hand over your voucher and meet your Wand Master. They'll activate the magic, help you test it — and then you're ready. Each snowflake on the trail holds a different bit of Christmas magic. Hunt them. Find them. Touch your wand to their glowing heart. The snowflakes won't reveal their magic to just anyone.
On-site Wands are also available to purchase at the Wand Hut on the night — gate pricing applies, while supplies last.
Find Us

Getting Here

We're in Ballantyne's Backyard — one of Charlotte's most accessible areas with easy access from I-485, South Charlotte, and across the SC border.

~5 min
South Charlotte / Ballantyne
You’re already here
~18 min
Fort Mill, SC
Via I-485 N · Exit 61A Johnston Rd
~20 min
Indian Land, SC
Via US-521 N
~22 min
Waxhaw, NC
Via Rea Rd → I-485 W · Exit 61A
~22 min
Lake Wylie, SC
Via SC-49 N to I-485
~25 min
Rock Hill, SC
Via I-77 N
~25 min
Uptown Charlotte
Via I-277 to I-485
~30 min
Clover, SC
Via SC-55 to I-85
~35 min
Cornelius / Huntersville
Via I-77 S
~35 min
Gastonia, NC
Via I-85 E
~40 min
Concord, NC
Via I-85 S to I-485
~45 min
Mooresville, NC
Via I-77 S

11611 N. Community House Rd · Charlotte, NC 28277 · Entrance at Wells Fargo building · Free parking

Accessibility

Everyone Is Welcome Here

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular is designed to be enjoyed by every member of your family.

Paved Pathways

All pathways throughout the show are concrete or decked — fully accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers. No grass or gravel sections.

Stroller Friendly

Wide pathways accommodate side-by-side strollers comfortably. Please note there are some gradual inclines throughout the trail.

Sensory Considerations

The show features bright lights, music, and live entertainment. For guests with sensory sensitivities, weeknight Twilight hours (after 8pm) tend to be quieter with smaller crowds.

VIP Restrooms

VIP guests have access to dedicated VIP restrooms. General Admission restroom facilities are available throughout the venue.

Children 2 & Under Free

Children 2 years and under are always free — no ticket required. Just bring the magic.

Questions?

Have specific accessibility needs? Email us at team@ncholidaylights.com before your visit and we'll make sure you're taken care of.

✦ Santa Told Us to Tell You

Insider Tips for
a Perfect Night

01

Buy in advance, always

Prices increase at the gate. Weekend dates sell out. The Twilight Ticket on weeknights is $10 online. Five minutes of planning saves real money.

02

Get there by 5:30pm

03

Book Santa early

10 children per night. It sells out. Book it when you buy tickets — not after you arrive and find out it's full.

04

No flash on photos

The ambient light is the magic. Flash kills it. Switch to Night Mode — the photos will be stunning.

05

Let the kids lead on the wand

Snowflakes are hidden throughout the whole trail. Go at their pace, explore every corner — they'll find them.

06

Dress warmer than you think

Charlotte December nights get cold. Layers, gloves, warm hat. The difference between a perfect night and cutting it short.

Ready for a Joy-Filled Night?

Tickets are available now. Advance pricing is always lower than the gate. Book before your date sells out.

Buy Tickets — From $10 → See VIP & Santa Options
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